Onion price

The increase in onion prices has helped the merchants of Kerala make a quick buck. On the morning of December 20, the price of onion was Rs 50 per kg. By evening, it had become Rs 80. Although onion is not essential for survival, some gourmands got into a panic over possible onion shortage, and a few unscrupulous merchants made full use of the opportunity. The government of Kerala acts with unwarranted enthusiasm on certain matters, and goes into hibernation on some others. While the office of the minister for food showed no interest in the onion shortage, it tried to sale uneatable items through civil supplies outlets.

The Central government at least tried to adopt suitable steps immediately after the price rise. The Kerala government, on the other hand, just sat on the matter. As a result, despite assurances from the concerned ministry that onion exports would be banned till January, and notwithstanding the 13 trucks of onion that arrived from Pakistan, vegetable vendors continue to quote any price they like for onions.


K.A. Solaman,
The Telegraph, Kolkatta Dated 24-12-10